Process of removing enamel from metal



UNITED STATES ATENT FFICE.

GEORGE W. GOETZ, MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN.

PROCESS OF REMOVING ENAMEL FROM METAL.

$PECIFIGATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 528,156, dated October 30, 1894. Application filed February 23, 1894:. Serial No. 501,242. (No specimens.)

To all whom, it may concern:

Be it known that I, GEORGE W. (loans, of Milwaukee, in the county of Milwaukee and State of Wisconsin, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Processes of Removing Enamel from Metal; and I do here by declare that the following is a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, which will enable others skilled in the art to which it pertains to make and use the same.

The objectof. my invention is to remove enamels from metals.

It consists of the process hereinafter described and pointed out in the claims.

In carrying out my process I take caustic soda or potash, or a mixture of both, and melt the same, and while it is in a fused conditipn immerse the enameled articles therein. The caustic alkalies in a molten state com bine rapidly with the silica of the enamel, thereby causing its disintegration and loosening it from the metal to which it adheres. At the same time they do not attack the metal materially, but effectually, quickly and economically remove the enamel therefrom, leaving it in suitable condition for re-enameling.

For the purpose of my process I may employ the ordinary crude alkalies of commerce which are inexpensive, and,when used in the manner specified, very efiective.

Theimpurities contained in the crudecaustic alkalies or the addition of other substances such as alkaline carbonates, while they are of no particular advantage, do not affect the proper and effective operation of the molten bath. After continued use the bath becomes saturated with the silica of the enamel, thereby forming a silicate of soda or potash, of which commercial use may be made, and when this occurs the bath becomes inactive or weak and it must be renewed by a fresh supply of caustic alkali, either soda, potash or a mixture of the two.

My process will be found of special advan tage in removing the enamel from improperly enameled or defective articles such as granite-ware and other enameled household utensils, as sinks and bath tubs.

. I prefer to use commercial caustic soda for the molten bath, inasmuch as it is equally effective and cheaper than the other substances mentioned.

I claim s--- 1. The process of removing mel from metal whichconsists in immersing the enameled article iua molten bath of caustic alkali, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.

2. The process of removing enamel from metal, which consists in immersing the enameled article in a molten bath of caustic soda, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my own I aflix my signature in presence of two witnesses. i

GEORGE W. GOETZ. \Vitnesses:

GHAs. L. Goss, E. B. HENIKA. 

